Questions about axles

[Callelle]

This winter I was planning on doing some axle work. Right now I have a Chrysler 8.25 rear and a D30 front. My plans were originally to build up what I have. But after doing some research, there isn\'t a whole lot for a selection of lockers for the 8.25 and I have yet to find anyone that makes chromoly shafts for it. So right now my plans are to run D44s front and rear and re-gear them to either 4.10 or 4.56 along with selectable lockers and chromoly shafts. Aside from the work on re-gearing, how hard is it to make axles fit. And what can I look for to take axles out of for that matter. Would it even be advisable to do a full axle swap or would it be better to build up the 8.25 (though i really dislike the idea of it being a C Clip axle). Any help is appreciated.

[smichaelR22]

what tire size are you planing on running?

8.25 isnt too bad of an axle over the D35 pile.  I believe Bill makes an aussie for it.  Not sure any benefit of strength going to 44\'s because the shafts in the front are the same size.  

[MrMindless]

swapping in a 44 is a waste of effort.  same size ujoint, and that\'s what usually is the root of issues.

you gain stronger gears and that\'s about it.

Keep the 30 and if you want to, bling it out. then when you\'re breaking bling 30 parts it\'s time for a custom 60 or to go full width. Stick with 4.10-4.56 gears, 4.88s are iffy in a 30.

the 8.25 doesn\'t usually break shafts behind V8 dakotas. Your axle has a slightly smaller shaft but meh... It\'s about the same strength as a 44 - another kinda pointless swap.  8.8 is mildly stronger than the 8.25/d44. 9\" or d60 rear is all I\'d swap to.

In short, stock or tons is the only way I\'d roll under a Jeep.  Stock can be made to last with 35s, and tons are justified with 37s.

[Callelle]

Id like to run a 35\" tire at some point. 31\"s on it now. There are some locker choices for the 8.25, just not much. All of them are auto lockers (minus an ARB Air), but really id like a cable or an electronic locker. Would it be better to buy and build a super 30 kit rather than swapping it for a 44?

[MrMindless]

isn\'t the \"super 30\" kit the one that gets you locking hubs? another waste IMO.

you can\'t break your 30 on 31s.  probably not even if you actually make an effort to do so.

if you start breaking 30 shafts just put chromoly axle shafts in it.

[Callelle]

I dont know about it giving you locking hubs but it upgrades it from a 27 to a 30 spline and also gives you chromo shafts.

[Callelle]

MrMindless wrote:
isn\'t the \"super 30\" kit the one that gets you locking hubs? another waste IMO.

you can\'t break your 30 on 31s.  probably not even if you actually make an effort to do so.

if you start breaking 30 shafts just put chromoly axle shafts in it.

Okay, so I\'ll probably keep the 30 and build it up with chromoly shafts (I\'d just rather avoid breaking them to begin with especially since I dont really know how to fix/replace them, let alone on a trail. What would be the best way to go for the rear? Would it be better just to build up the axles that I have now and have to settle for an auto locker in the rear?

[smichaelR22]

splines arent the issue in 30/44  its the 297 joint that is the weak link.  

i had good luck with yukon chromo shafts in a 30 to the point where i was breaking ring gears with welded drive flange hubs.  a fresh I6 with a T18, didnt help the 4.88\'s  

[Wingman]

Find an \'03-\'06 Rubicon D44 front and put Yukon stub shafts with quality u-jonts.  Selectable air-locker, beefier center and diff components, 4.11s stock, and it should bolt right up!  95% of what you are looking for.

[Wingman]

I will soon have an 8.8 to sell.  175k, disc brakes, 4.10s with limited slip according to the tags.  Common upgrade.

pm me if interested.